Mayor Muriel Bowser is rolling out the red carpet for DC's summer season, beckoning residents and tourists to take part in an eclectic mix of events slated to heat up the nation's capital. Highlights on the summer docket include the Downtown DC Summer Concert Series, DC JazzFest at The Wharf, and the National Capital BBQ Battle, to name a few. With a nod to economic upsides, Bowser pointed out the benefits these events rain down on local businesses.
"Our city comes alive with events and festivals in the summer, and this year we're celebrating everything that makes Washington, DC special — our culture, music, stories, and our people," Bowser said, as reported by the Mayor's Office. The Mayor is quick to underscore the importance of these gatherings, stating, "These events aren't just about fun and games; they're about dollars and cents." Indeed, DC welcomes guests from around the world to enjoy and to simultaneously help boost the local economy.
The city's summer festivals aren't just thrown together at the last minute, though. The Mayor’s Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME) works in tandem with organizations and cultural startups to foster an environment conducive to DC's diverse talent and cultural rich tapestries. "At OCTFME, we believe that when we invest in arts and entertainment, we invest in our city’s growth," explained Director LaToya Foster, according to the same release. Proving that these aren't mere platitudes, an earlier announcement revealed an infusion of $3.5 million through the Large Event Grant Program, set to benefit events pulling in crowds upwards of 10,000 people.
Just around the corner, the Army's 250th Birthday Festival and Parade promises to draw a significant crowd, and savvy attendees would do well to stay informed about street closings and event details at nsse.dc.gov. Throw in the power-packed CNN 4th of July Concert, majestic moments of music at the U.S. Africa Business Forum, and the energy coursing through the DC/DOX Film Festival, and it's clear DC is bracing to easily prove itself once more as the ultimate summer hotspot.
Angie M. Gates, President and CEO of Events DC, echoed this enthusiasm: "Nothing compares to summertime in Washington, DC and Events DC is thrilled about the incredible lineup of festivals and events that will showcase the rich cultural diversity of our city." Gates, as stated in the release, celebrates the local economy's shot in the arm these events provide and affirms Events DC's commitment to foster a sense of community and economic prosperity through such large-scale gatherings.
.jpg){kind=link}